The House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services has commended the Rivers State government for notable advancements in healthcare delivery, particularly within the primary healthcare sector.
Hon. Amos Magaji, the Committee Chairman, expressed this during an oversight visit to the state, emphasizing that their mission was to evaluate the effective use of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHPF).
Magaji highlighted the state’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare by deploying medical doctors across various primary healthcare centers, a move he described as highly commendable given the widespread shortage of healthcare professionals.
“Rivers State stands out as one of the few where we observed medical doctors actively serving at primary healthcare facilities. This proactive approach to addressing human resource challenges in healthcare is truly impressive and deserves recognition,” he remarked.
The chairman also urged residents to take full advantage of these healthcare centers, noting that many of the level 3 facilities visited were well-equipped and ready to serve the public.
“The essence of primary healthcare is to bring medical services closer to the community. If these facilities remain underutilized, the core objective is undermined. We encourage everyone to make use of these centers,” Magaji added.
To further enhance healthcare delivery, he recommended the integration of electronic monitoring systems within these facilities. Such technology would facilitate real-time tracking of medical records and improve staff performance management.
Representing the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, Professor Justina Jumbo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed the state’s dedication to the prudent management of the BHPF and other federal health funds.
“In Rivers State, we are committed to the transparent and effective use of all health-related resources, including the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, to broaden access to quality healthcare, especially for rural and underserved populations,” she stated.
She further noted that revitalization efforts have successfully upgraded 135 primary healthcare centers, significantly improving service delivery.
“We trust that the insights and recommendations from this oversight will foster stronger collaboration between government tiers and optimize resource allocation, ultimately enhancing health outcomes across the nation,” Professor Jumbo concluded.
